End of Life Care: Compassion Beyond Cure


Authors : Ankita Chhikara; Soniya Sharma

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 10 - October


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/yfru894w

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/5dxx5e3s

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24OCT142

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : End-of-life care encompasses more than just medical treatment for a dying person; it is a holistic approach focused on providing comfort, love, and fulfillment during a patient’s final stages of life. This article delves into the significance of end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By prioritizing quality of life, managing pain, and offering emotional support, healthcare teams can ensure patient dignity and respect their final wishes. End-of-life care includes aspects such as hospice and palliative care, advanced directives, and the role of healthcare professionals. It discusses the importance of clear communication with patients and families regarding terminal diagnoses while also respecting cultural and individual preferences. Ethical considerations around withholding or withdrawing treatment are addressed, focusing on patient autonomy and the physician's role in difficult decisions. By embracing a holistic approach that attends to the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of dying, healthcare professionals can help patients experience their final moments with dignity and peace. This approach not only benefits patients but also supports their families, ensuring that the end of life is met with respect, comfort, and serenity.

Keywords : End of Life Care, Terminal Illness, Palliative Care, Hospice Care.

References :

  1. National Institute on Aging [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2024 Jun 17]. Providing Care and Comfort at the End of Life. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/end-life/providing-care-and-comfort-end-life
  2. NQF: A National Framework and Preferred Practices for Palliative and Hospice Care Quality [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 30]. Available from: https://www.qualityforum.org/publications/2006/12/A_National_Framework_and_Preferred_Practices_for_Palliative_and_Hospice_Care_Quality.aspx
  3. Ethical considerations at the end-of-life care - Melahat Akdeniz, Bülent Yardımcı, Ethem Kavukcu, 2021 [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 1]. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20503121211000918#bibr2-20503121211000918
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  5. Razmaria AA. End-of-Life Care. JAMA. 2016 Jul 5;316(1):115.
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  7. Validation of the Critical Care Pain Observational Tool in Palliative Care - ScienceDirect [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1524904220300047?via%3Dihub
  8. Seow H, Bainbridge D. A Review of the Essential Components of Quality Palliative Care in the Home. J Palliat Med. 2017 Dec 1;20(Suppl 1):S-37-S-44.

End-of-life care encompasses more than just medical treatment for a dying person; it is a holistic approach focused on providing comfort, love, and fulfillment during a patient’s final stages of life. This article delves into the significance of end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. By prioritizing quality of life, managing pain, and offering emotional support, healthcare teams can ensure patient dignity and respect their final wishes. End-of-life care includes aspects such as hospice and palliative care, advanced directives, and the role of healthcare professionals. It discusses the importance of clear communication with patients and families regarding terminal diagnoses while also respecting cultural and individual preferences. Ethical considerations around withholding or withdrawing treatment are addressed, focusing on patient autonomy and the physician's role in difficult decisions. By embracing a holistic approach that attends to the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of dying, healthcare professionals can help patients experience their final moments with dignity and peace. This approach not only benefits patients but also supports their families, ensuring that the end of life is met with respect, comfort, and serenity.

Keywords : End of Life Care, Terminal Illness, Palliative Care, Hospice Care.

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